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Chapter 253: It's My Neighbor
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 254: Do You Have N*****x?
His words remind me of my brother's flower gardens and my head ticks a few inches to the right to peer out the window and see the patterned grass Crispin has given back to the place. It's possible there is more to my brother's obsessive need over his flowers than wanting something pretty in his yard."Do you want to eat at the table or in the living room?" Crispin asks."Do you have Netflix?" There is no better way to find out the merit of a man than to see what he's favorited on his Netflix queue. I can't go with the flow like Harley, but I can snoop better than the FBI.... The next night Crispin's truck idles on the side of the road in front of my house after he took the time to back out of his driveway and park at the mailbox and then run up and knock on my door. He then walks me to the truck and holds the door open. It's quite unnecessary but appreciated."This makes it official, you know," he says as soon as he's taking his rightful seat in the truck and we start down
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 255: Where's the Escape?
I glance behind me for an escape but only find chairs painted in brilliant colors other than pink lined up against the wall with the tables stuck in between them. Asking none of the hundred questions I have, I sit at the one behind where Pearl had been."These situations?" I ask when I can't keep the most pressing issue at bay any longer.Katy smiles. "Well after the last one, we don't assume anymore, but there's a reason. Chocolate cupcake?"I puzzle through her words, but pull it together right before she selects a chocolate cupcake from the display. "Cookie. Chocolate chip, if that's okay."Tabitha smiles, grabbing a small plate, and hands it to Katy. "The chocolate chip cookies are to die for here."The words "to die for" remind me of the gunshot wound I should expect later and cause a shiver to run up my spine."So how do you know Crispin," Tabitha asks, leaning against the counter.Katy peeks back at her and grins. "Good opener," she says putting a thumb up in Tabit
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 257: Keep Those Thoughts to Yourself
His back hunches over and his breathing is wild, all of it coming from his mouth and not his nose like it should in proper form. "Who?"I slow my pace further, not only to tell him the full story, but so Crispin can catch his breath and not pass out on the sidewalk. "My ex. He's sending me text messages and pictures." I'd left those details out the day I'd told him about my history with Ben."Pictures of what?" Crispin asks in one complete sentence, getting control over his breathing."You don't want to know.""I think I do."I've been working so hard to keep the thoughts to myself, so as the story comes out, I pick up the pace making Crispin follow. "It's my ex. I don't understand why, but whenever he's been drinking, he texts me messages with pictures of him and Elizabeth. Definitely inappropriate pictures you wouldn't put on Facebook." Nothing to the level of being porny or anything, but that doesn't mean I want to see them."Argh," he huffs."I would block his number,
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 258: Fifty-Fifty shot
There's a fifty-fifty shot I've won a million dollars in sweepstakes from my Nigerian friends or... the true gift, they have selected me as America's newest shoe ambassador.I click on the email and squeal in delight — thankful there's no one around to hear — when my new favorite shoe company's banner loads at the top of the email.The first line reads, "Congratulations, you've been selected." I skim through the first paragraph and a bunch of legal jargon about how my entry to the contest was picked out of thousands. Then at the very end the last paragraph of the letter says, "We'd like to offer you a position as our newest brand ambassador.""Oh my crap!" I stand up so fast my chair flies behind me and I scream in the tiny room I'm using as an office and a bedroom.I got it. The promotion, which will keep my blog afloat for the next few years. I'd worked so hard on my video and spent a year learning how to use Instagram the best possible way. I even took a stupid hashtag cours
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 259: Poor Guy
My eyes widen, and I bite my tongue so I don't laugh. "Oh my word, get back inside and sit. What are you doing answering the door?" I follow him inside, shutting it behind me and wait until he's sitting on the couch in front of the TV before I walk farther in. A video game is paused on the screen, a dragon frozen as it swoops down in the sky, ready to blow fire at his character."Are you okay? Have you seen a doctor? How bad is it?" The questions fly out of me and I forget all about the reason I came over originally.He props his legs up on the coffee table in front of him and leans back. "No, just irritation. I wrapped them to keep the medicine on. Ridge made me take the day off work and I had to miss a big stakeout, but now that you're here, things are turning out for the better."I refuse to let my cheeks turn pink because then he'd know I like him a little more than I should. Definitely more than I imagined I'd ever like anyone again. "A stakeout? I thought you installed secu
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 260: What a Flat Foot
"I can't believe they gave it to a flatfoot like StellaRuns."And then underneath them a reply comment agreeing. "Probably a pity sponsor. Have to pick a female so they don't appear sexist."Both of the usernames are from other runners in the industry who probably had videos trying for the same sponsorship. The running community can be an amazing group of people who all get along and support one another, but it can also be full of real jerks, colossal assholes who will cut you down over the smallest crap.Anonymous people always have a comment about how you're doing something and how they would do it better. Or how they disagree with your life choice and then a tirade about how they make better ones. Everything you buy has to be perfect and heaven forbid if a CEO sneezed on Thursday last week. It can be tough waters to navigate and normally I don't let it get to me.But as I sit alone in the bakery, it does. First my ex enjoying my damn favorite bagels and now the negative comm
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 261: The Black SUV
The operator answers quickly, taking down my address and the nature of my call without an issue. "Remember, it's not a real emergency," I say again before she promises me an officer is on the way, letting me hang up while I wait.Warmth has taken over the kitchen and I don't want to be in the same space as the box and the message. The thought of sharing a space turns my stomach. My fingers stick together as I walk out of the house and use the garden hose to spray the red substance from my hands.A black SUV pulls into my driveway right as I'm about to sit on the front porch, my hands wet and my body shaking. A tall man wearing a long brown trench coat approaches, looking like a man on a mission."Are you Ms. Donovan with the box?" he asks casually.I nod. "Yes.""I'm Detective Anderson. Would you show me the box in question?" His voice is soothing, but it doesn't take away my jitters."Okay," I whisper, leading him into the kitchen. "What you see is all I know. There wasn't
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 262: High Alert
Crispin goes on high alert, his body becoming stiff and his arm jerking my hand with the sudden change of demeanor. "What?"Katy isn't fazed. She raises a hand and rolls her eyes. "You know, walk around and get people excited for the event. Talk of how much fun the games are. Talk the men into spending a bunch of money at one table. Get them playing the games. Help them order more drinks. Drunk people spend more money. That's a scientific fact.""Is it?" It makes sense, but I doubt Katy looked up her statistics in a scientific journal.Katy shrugs. "I know, but it sounds good and Pierce's family is paying for the alcohol so we need to drink a lot."Wait. The Kensington family donated alcohol to a charity event trying to raise money to buy the bed-and-breakfast out from underneath him? It makes no sense, but there's no time to question Katy because another couple comes up behind us. The woman wears a beautiful purple dress, the fabric ending right below her knees and showcasing
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 324: From Elliot
ElliotFive years later"No, sweetie, we only get one puppy today." I squat getting on the same level as my daughter, Brandise.The round ball of fluff she squeezes onto with all her might so he doesn't run away licks her across the face and she giggles. "Daddy, they're twins just me and Bray. They have to stay together."My eyes flick back and forth between each dog. One held in the tight grip of Brandise and the other being sized up by my son. Their mother, Harley, a woman who took too long for me to figure she meant everything stands between the two of them with her lips pinched together not helping me in this situation. She's left me out in the cold on my own.The two puppy siblings look alike, but in my eyes every Yorkie looks the same. How can you tell them apart? The puppies my babies held both had a lighter colored face than Rocky, but other than that they were big puffballs of fur."Sweetie, Rocky only needs one brother," I try again hoping to talk sense into her.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: No Listening to Reason
Elliot's steps are slow but sure as I hold open the bakery door to let him get through the space. Once he's cleared the way, I stand beside him in case he needs me for support as he makes his way to the first table in the busy sitting section. You wouldn't expect a shoulder injury to cause issues walking, but with each movement his body makes, his shoulder sways with the force and his face grimaces.It's too soon for him to be up and moving, but I couldn't make him listen to reason.He finds his seat and plops in it heavily, the chair legs scraping on the tile. The people around us stop what they're doing and turn before a small round of applause starts from behind the bakery counter and then picks up including people from every space in the bakery. Elliot turns to the noise, catching everyone in their adoration, and scowls until the clapping fades."Cupcakes for everyone," Anessa says smiling from her spot at the counter. "Especially for our new hero."Elliot's scowl deepens.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 323: Eligible Bachelors
Dominick releases a breath and sucks in another one as if preparing himself for this new life. "Are you positive? Because there are very eligible bachelors in my club. A brother could keep you safe."I don't argue with him that Elliot kept me safe. Well at least until he got shot, and no one can blame a man for that. He literally stuck his body in between me and a loaded weapon. How much more could he have done?Plus I could never live life in the club again. Now after experiencing life on my own. "Yeah, and then they'd cheat on me or go to prison."Dominick shakes his head. "My men aren't that way. They love hard and deep. I changed the club here, Harley. It's different from how we grew up in Colorado."There's honesty in his words, but it will never be enough to bring me back. "Elliot is mine."Dom shakes his head once, admitting defeat. "Fine. Onto topic two. I met your father," he says father accusatorily like I've been keeping something from him.Which, in a way, I hav
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: Three Bullets to the Chest
Without warning there's another harsh pop in the air like someone shooting off a firecracker, and then red blossoms in the middle of Pete's forehead. His body falls back hitting the ground once again. The thud is too far away to hear, but I swear my body feels the vibration.Holy fuck.My ears ring from the gunfire as men pool around us each of them yelling things back and forth. It's coordinated chaos. An ambulance with its lights flashing speeds over the highway."That man took three bullets to the chest," Huxley mutters to himself shaking his head. "I haven't seen anything that crazy since Thailand."... The steady beat of Elliot's hospital machines lulls me into a restless sleep as my head rests on Elliot's hand."Harley," a deep voice whispers in my ear, shaking my shoulder. "Har."In a start my head pops up and my eyes search Elliot's face, but his hand still rests underneath my head, a pool of my drool sticking between his fingers."Still drool, huh? I wouldn't
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 321: Nobody to Save Me
"Dominick won't pay anything for me," I lie.Pete laughs. "Don't want money. I'm looking to trade you for a free get-out-of-town card. If he won't offer me his protection, you'll be a going away gift to my men. They're upset with having to leave. I'm sure you understand.""What?" Fear causes me to choke out the word as a hundred images flash through my brain of what he could mean, but only one is sick and depraved enough for this man.He smirks. "They'll love you if the Impaler doesn't."I fall to my knees against the back of his seat. "No, please don't." I'd rather he shoot me now than do what his smile promises. He means I'm to be a sexual gift given to his men and passed between them. I'd never survive. Sure, Dom trained me in basic self-defense skills, but my mother sheltered me from club life so I only heard the evils of the world through others. Until now, I never once felt concern for my safety. Not the way I do now.The cargo van travels on the highway, passing a bill
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 320: Nothing Drastic
"Stand up, Fucker."Elliot scoots away from me as I claw deftly on his leg trying to hold on and keep him close. He turns, not making any sudden movements and puts his body in front of mine to shield me once again from the nasties of life."Let's not do anything drastic, Pete." Elliot takes a step forward with his hand held out defensively.I twist seeing the old man wearing a pair of board shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt with palm trees, and flip-flops on his feet standing in the middle of the beach. He resembles a tourist who belongs in Florida not a man running a drug ring in Pelican Bay. He sneers at me taking the tension from Elliot for just a moment and waving the gun in his direction as if either of us could forget it's there."She's the only one who can name me. Without her I can pick up shop and start somewhere fresh and there's nothing you can do about it. You guys don't have shit on me.""You're standing in the middle of a public beach during the day, Pete," Elliot t
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 319: Stagnant Words
He flinches as of my question has hurt him, but I'm the child who didn't have a father. "I got out early for good behavior and I looked up your mother. I learned what happened. Sorry about your loss," he says. The words are stagnant as if he knows what he's supposed to say but struggles with the meaning. Yet, something in the inflection makes me believe he means each one. His eyes turn soft, possibly remembering his time with my mother.My life has never been cupcakes and cookies, but the last month has been indescribable except for the word surreal. First, I had no father, then I picked up a club president for a stepdad, lost him, and now gained back the original. What is happening to my life?"What will happen now?"My father shakes his head and stares at me with a touch of a smile tweaking his lips. "I'm out of the club life. Plan to take the straight and narrow from here on out."I hold back the cringe at his promise. It's one I've heard from club brothers my entire life. E
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 318: She Deserves Better
Elliot shakes his head, his fingers curving around the handle of his gun. His face pinches together as if he has so much to say, but is staying silent for me.Until he doesn't anymore."Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on?"He's not the only one looking for answers. "Me too. Mom said you died in a motorcycle crash. Drove your bike over a mountain ledge one night." She hadn't said he'd been drinking, but I've filled in the blanks for myself as I aged.My father's teeth come together hard making a gnashing sound I hear even from my position. "Yeah well. She thought it would be better than the true story. Easier for both of you to move on rather than wait around on me living only a half-life.""Then what is the true story?" After my mom left Dominick's dad, it was the three of us together. I always believed we never hid any secrets from one another.My father shakes his head and stares at me but looks past me as if he's reliving the memories himself. "She s
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 317: Escape Plans
My gaze and thoughts flip to the back door, but I'm too far away to reach it before he could shoot me.The man is younger than Pete and not the person I saw put a bullet in someone earlier this month, but he's old enough to be my father. His skin is leathered and wrinkled as if he's spent a lifetime in the sun. His jeans are loose and a leather jacket lacking any MC cut is wrapped around his body. Not a Bloodhound.I stand next to the kitchen island breathing heavily while trying to come up with an escape plan as the two of us stare at one another unmoving.He speaks first. "Now, Harley, is this any way to greet the old man who named you?"His words scatter in my brain, startling me into paying attention, all my plans of escape lost. "Excuse me? My father named me."It was one of the few stories I had of the man who shared such a brief relationship with my mother. "He wanted to pay homage to the best...""Damn motorcycle company the US has ever seen," he finishes my sentenc
